The Scavengers

About the Book

Jeanne DuPrau's The City of Ember meets Louis Sachar's Holes in this imaginative and hilarious middle grade novel from New York Times bestselling author Michael Perry.

When the world started to fall apart, the government gave everyone two choices: move into the Bubble Cities…or take their chances outside. Maggie's family chose to live in the world that was left behind. Deciding it's time to grow up and grow tough, Maggie rechristens herself "Ford Falcon"—a name inspired by the beat-up car she finds at a nearby junkyard. Ford's family goes to this junkyard to scavenge for things they can use or barter with the other people who live OutBubble. Her family has been able to survive this brave new world by working together. But when Ford comes home one day to discover her home ransacked and her family missing, she must find the strength to rescue her loved ones with the help of some unlikely friends.

The Scavengers is a wholly original tween novel that combines an action-packed adventure, a heartfelt family story, and a triumphant journey of self-discovery in a world where one person's junk is another person's key to survival. Katherine Applegate, author of the Newbery Medal winner The One and Only Ivan, raves "Michael Perry pulls out all the stops in this colorful tale."

Book Description

I needed a better name. A stronger name. I wedged my fists on my hips and I announced that Maggie was yesterday, and from this day forward I would answer only to Ford Falcon.

Life outside the Bubble Cities is rough. Electricity is history. The weather can change at a moment's notice. And the world is short on food but full of trouble.

After her family chose to take their chances OutBubble, Maggie decided it was time to grow up and grow tough. Rechristening herself Ford Falcon, she spends her days scavenging in a junkyard near her family's makeshift house, fending off the occasional solar bear attack and keeping her eyes peeled for any GreyDevils that might be lurking around the corner.

Although times are tough, Ford, her parents, and her little brother, Dookie, have been making do. But when Ford comes home from a bartering trip to find the place ransacked and her family missing, she must prove she is brave enough to make it in this wild world alone and face whatever obstacles stand in the way of rescuing her loved ones.

Educator and Librarian Resources

Critical Praise

“This brave, smart, funny, independent young hero is totally unlike anyone I’ve seen before, and she uses her wits to survive in a world unlike anything I could have dreamt up.” —

“Gifted and gritty, Ford Falcon is a heroine with heart. She grabs you by both arms and hauls you into her worlda haunting futurescape where you have to be inventive to survive, where every decision has a price. Michael Perry’s writing is exquisite, humorous and thrilling.” —

“Unique and interesting cast of characters. Maggie is a strong, brave, adventurous, and resourceful role model for younger readers.” —

“Michael Perry pulls out all the stops in this colorful tale. You gotta love Ford Falcon, an intrepid heroine who can pepper-bomb a solar bear while quoting Emily Dickinson. As her friend Toad might say: Le-dightful.” —

“Ford Falcon capably demonstrates how a smart, determined kid might handle the end of the world and her place in it.” —

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